Gadgets for Your Audio Toolbox

Akai Pro MPD18What USB/MIDI pad controllerWhy Its small footprint makes the MPD18 easy to integrate into any setup for stage performance, studio production, or musical creation on the go.How Sixteen velocity and pressure-sensitive genuine MPC pads, an Akai Professional exclusive. Three different banks of sounds for a total of 48 sounds at once. Q-Link controllers, enablingusers to control nearly any parameters in their software in real time on an assignable Q-Link fader and an assignable Q-Link button.Price $199 retail, $99 streetWeb www.akiapro.com

Elysia mpressorWhat Compressor plug-inWhy Those who like the sonic character of the mpressor can now obtain that sound in a virtual environment.How Along with traditional compressor options, an antilog compression curve is available for obtaining the “pumping” sounds featured in many dance hits; negative ratios are also available. Furthermore, an automatic fast attack function preserves transients and “punch” even when using longer attack settings.

Audio-Technica 40 Series MicsWhat Four new microphones added to the 40 seriesWhy All four microphones are certified by the METAlliance, which means they meet the call for quality in the recording arts and science.Series AT4080 and AT4081 bidirectional active ribbon microphones, the AT4050ST stereo condenser microphone, and the AT4047MP multi-pattern condenser microphone.Price $1,245 AT4080, $895 AT4081, $1,625 AT4050ST, $1,055 AT4047MPWeb www.audio-technica.com

Analog Experience THE FACTORY includes a high quality 32-key keyboard controller, with premium key-action, channel aftertouch and an aluminum frame with multiple controls. Combined to the new MIDI Control Center application, THE FACTORY is easy to use with any third-party software or hardware instrument.